Pride History Tours at The Real Mary King’s Close
This Pride Month, step down into Edinburgh’s hidden history with a special series of Pride History Tours at The Real Mary King’s Close.
About Pride History Tours at The Real Mary King’s Close
Hidden stories. Real lives. A celebration of LGBTQIA+ history beneath the Royal Mile.
From the mid-16th century through to 1912, explore the lesser-known stories of LGBTQIA+ lives in the city. While the language and understanding of gender and sexuality have evolved, real people lived, loved, and shaped Edinburgh long before terms like “gay” or “lesbian” existed. These stories—often left out of the history books—are brought to light through meticulous research and immersive storytelling.
Delve into tales of struggle, secrecy, and strength as you journey through the preserved underground closes. Discover figures like Robert Fergusson, the poet who inspired Robert Burns, and Marie Maitland, whose Sapphic poetry may be one of the earliest examples in Early Modern Europe. Along the way, you’ll also hear about pioneering medical professionals such as Dr James Barry and Sophia Jex-Blake.
Led by costumed character guides, this hour-long tour invites guests to reimagine Edinburgh’s past through a new lens—one filled with resilience, creativity, and connection.
WHEN: Every Saturday in June
TIME: 16.00 & 17.30
TICKETS: £27.00 per adult | £22.00 per child (ages 5–15)
INCLUDES: 1-hour guided tour with character guide (Robert Fergusson or Marie Maitland)
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